Grigori Frid's "The Diary of Anne Frank" is a profound and haunting chamber opera that brings to life the poignant diary of Anne Frank through a unique musical narrative. Composed in 1969, this monodrama-opera for solo soprano and a small instrumental ensemble delves into the intimate and harrowing experiences of Anne Frank during her time in hiding. The album, released in 2013 by Brilliant Classics, features a powerful performance by Andrey Chistiakov and the Orchestra of the Bolshoi Theatre, capturing the essence of Frid's stark and sinister musical language.
Spanning just over an hour, the opera is divided into two parts, each exploring different facets of Anne's life and emotions. From the innocence of her early entries to the despair and longing of her later writings, Frid's composition masterfully conveys the depth and complexity of Anne's experiences. The inclusion of orchestral interludes and recitatives adds layers to the narrative, making it a rich and immersive listening experience.
The album's tracklist follows the structure of the opera, with each scene and interlude meticulously crafted to reflect the mood and themes of Anne's diary. Highlights include "The Birthday," "The Hiding Place," and "Passacaglia - Finale," each offering a glimpse into the emotional journey of the central character. The Chimes of the Westertoren, a recurring motif, serves as a poignant reminder of the world outside Anne's hiding place.
Grigori Frid's "The Diary of Anne Frank" is not just a musical work but a testament to the power of storytelling through music. It is a poignant reminder of the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity, and a tribute to the enduring legacy of Anne Frank. This album is a must-listen for those who appreciate the fusion of music and narrative, and for anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of Anne Frank's diary.
2012 Brilliant Classics2013 Brilliant Classics
Tracks
The Diary of Anne Frank, Pt. 1, Introduction: OvertureGrigori Frid, Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Andrey Chistiakov
The Diary of Anne Frank, Pt. 1, Scene 1: The BirthdayGrigori Frid, Eva Ben-Tsvi, Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Andrey Chistiakov
The Diary of Anne Frank, Pt. 1, Scene 1: The SchoolGrigori Frid, Eva Ben-Tsvi, Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Andrey Chistiakov
The Diary of Anne Frank, Pt. 1, Scene 1: Conversation with FatherGrigori Frid, Eva Ben-Tsvi, Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Andrey Chistiakov
The Diary of Anne Frank, Pt. 1, Scene 2: Summoned by the GestapoGrigori Frid, Eva Ben-Tsvi, Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Andrey Chistiakov
The Diary of Anne Frank, Pt. 1, Scene 2: The Hiding Place, The Chimes of the WestertorenGrigori Frid, Eva Ben-Tsvi, Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Andrey Chistiakov
The Diary of Anne Frank, Pt. 1, Scene 2: The WindowGrigori Frid, Eva Ben-Tsvi, Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Andrey Chistiakov
The Diary of Anne Frank, Pt. 1, Scene 2: "They Told Me…"Grigori Frid, Eva Ben-Tsvi, Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Andrey Chistiakov
The Diary of Anne Frank, Pt. 1, Scene 2: DespairGrigori Frid, Eva Ben-Tsvi, Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Andrey Chistiakov
The Diary of Anne Frank, Pt. 1, Scene 2: MemoryGrigori Frid, Eva Ben-Tsvi, Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Andrey Chistiakov
The Diary of Anne Frank, Pt. 1, Scene 2: DreamGrigori Frid, Eva Ben-Tsvi, Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Andrey Chistiakov
The Diary of Anne Frank, Pt. 2: Orchestral interludeGrigori Frid, Eva Ben-Tsvi, Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Andrey Chistiakov
The Diary of Anne Frank, Pt. 2, Scene 3: Dialogue of the van Daan CoupleGrigori Frid, Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Andrey Chistiakov
The Diary of Anne Frank, Pt. 2, Scene 3: The BurglarsGrigori Frid, Eva Ben-Tsvi, Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Andrey Chistiakov
The Diary of Anne Frank, Pt. 2, Scene 3: RecitativeGrigori Frid, Eva Ben-Tsvi, Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Andrey Chistiakov
The Diary of Anne Frank, Pt. 2, Scene 3: "Remember Peter…"Grigori Frid, Eva Ben-Tsvi, Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Andrey Chistiakov
The Diary of Anne Frank, Pt. 2, Scene 4: On the Russian FrontGrigori Frid, Eva Ben-Tsvi, Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Andrey Chistiakov
The Diary of Anne Frank, Pt. 2, Scene 4: The RaidGrigori Frid, Eva Ben-Tsvi, Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Andrey Chistiakov
The Diary of Anne Frank, Pt. 2, Scene 4: SolitudeGrigori Frid, Eva Ben-Tsvi, Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Andrey Chistiakov
The Diary of Anne Frank, Pt. 2, Scene 4: Passacaglia - FinaleGrigori Frid, Eva Ben-Tsvi, Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Andrey Chistiakov
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